Whether we are faced with poverty or granted success...Whether we are seeking an answer to the many questions and curiosities of life or oddly resting comfortably with the confidence in those we have already obtained ourselves...Whether faced with a situation that requires immediate action or one we flee from...

Where do you, I, we start? Do we start with OURSELVES by turning to selfish desires, addiction, gossip, anxiety, "planning", obtaining more things, worshipping other gods OR do we start with GOD in PRAYER? Can we find the power and effectiveness of PRAYER or are we so satisfied with containing its ability to that which only our mind can understand, our heart can desire, and our hands can build. Do we know the power of prayer or is it something we can control, manipulate, and influence for a favored outcome?

Comfortable in life style, a dedicated leader, wise and powerful...Nehemiah was faced with distress upon returning to Jerusalem. When rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he was faced with great opposition...his response was PRAYER. "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven" (Neh. 1:4). Nehemiah recognized God's holiness and the power in PRAYER, confessed his short comings, and asked for guidance. The result...a heart prepared to allow God to accomplish great things through Nehemiah.

"My soul is overwhelmed and sorrowful to the point of death...Father, if it is at all possible, may this cup be taken from me. Not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26: 38-39). Jesus Christ the Son of God was burdened, He was hurt, He was seeking relief from a specific situation...His response was PRAYER. "He fell with his face to the ground and prayed..." (Matt. 26 :39). What a powerful example of PRAYER that Jesus Christ found it noteworthy, to say the least, to begin with PRAYER.

Walking around an empty piece of land praying one year, with hope and vision for something to be built the next year, plans and blueprints being developed another year. The following year...a building stood overlooking the once empty land of the New Life Church of Los Guido, also known as La Finca. A multiuse building that has already begun to be used as a tool to share the love of Christ and Word of God with kids, families, moms and dads. It's a place of hope, acceptance, and peace through Jesus Christ. The power of prayer couldn't be more tangible than this.

May we understand the power of PRAYER, through Jesus Christ, it was intended to have and not only that which we make it out to be. PRAYER is a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed! PRAYER prepares our hearts! And PRAYER displays the glory of God in and through our lives!

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (Jas. 5:16). AND "What nation [sinner, person, individual] is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we PRAY to him?" (Dt . 4:7)

4 comments:

thanks for sharing these thoughts on the power of prayer. I definitely spent some much needed time reflecting on the power of prayer. I have to agree that seeing all that has taken place at La Finca has been such an incredible and tangible example of the power of prayer.

I am continuing to pray often for you friend...for all the opportunities you have to share the love of Christ as well as the opportunities to share the Gospel.

It was such an awesome opportunity to be able to get a small glimpse of all that is taking place in Costa Rica and to get to work alongside you!!!

Thank you for the prayer Lanaya! Thank you for praying for me, the missionaries, and the ministry here in Costa Rica. Also, please be praying for the Nicaragua Team as we will be traveling there in just 5 days.

About Me

I have been on staff at Community Bible Church (CBC) for four years and have had the opportunity to serve in Costa Rica since February of 2008. I'm currently a student at the California State University of Los Angeles, where I'm working towards the completion of my B.A. Degree in Political Science/Public Administration and my B.S. Degree in Fire Protection Administration and Technology. In addition, I'm also a student at Rio Hondo Community College where I'm working on my A.S. Degree in Fire Science, as well as my EMT Certification.

Several years ago, I was able to travel to Costa Rica with my church as we served alongside the Christian Light Foundation. During that time, God has built relationships between me and the kids, families, and missionaries. Partnering with CLF, I have served with four teams from CBC, led a team, and spent most of a summer serving there. It is therefore my desire to return and continue serving the people of Costa Rica as God has given me the opportunity to return this summer and serve for three months.

If you’d like to know more about what God is doing in Costa Rica, please email me at conway.robinson@CBCSB.com. I look forward to hearing from you.